Other Backward castes/classes have been suffering from a number of problems since a long time. 

The problems, which are common to all OBCs are as follows:

1. Other Backward Castes (Classes) constitute an Indefinite, Abstract and Unorganized Category: First Backward Class Commission known as Kalalker Commission was appointed to prepare a list of communities. Kalalker’s report had listed 2399 castes as backward castes which the then Government had rejected. The Mandal Commission (Second Backward Class Commission) listed 3743 castes and communities as Backward classes. Most of the OBC communities are strangers to one another.

They do not have common awareness regarding their own problems. Conflicts do arise among themselves regarding the issue of ‘Backwardness’. No single All-India level organization has been established. These groups are scattered all over India and exhibit a lot of diversities and it is difficult to unite them.

2. Economic Backwardness: Most of the OBCs are also economically backward like SCs and STs. A large number of poor, unemployed, under-employed are found in this category. Only a few people are self employed, but majority of them are working for very low wages. Sizable numbers are economically exploited.

3. Educational and Social Backwardness: Illiterates are found in a large number m this category. Higher education among OBCs is at a very low level. Even though OBCs are not directly the victims of untouchability, but lot of social distance prevails between these and the so called forward castes.

4. Politically unorganized: OBCs are comparatively unorganized Because OBCs do not comprise a single caste. Most of these castes are spread across the nation. No single backward caste is numerically dominant in any one province. Hence they are not able to work as powerful ‘Pressure Groups’ at all India level.